Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
